By Meghan Jacobsen, Grants Development Associate (State and Local Government)
Access to high-speed internet has become a necessary part of everyday life. For example, education, employment (job duties and hiring), banking, and even some healthcare, are now done online. However, there are still many communities and individuals who lack access to high-speed internet. As a result, the federal government has prioritized increasing access across the country by allocating $1.44 billion for the Digital Equity Capacity program. At this stage, all states have finalized their digital equity plans and the program has opened for all states and territories to apply for funding. As this is a pass-through program, states apply for funding and then will sub-award the funds they receive from the federal government through their own grant programs. It has been a long road thus far but we anticipate some states will begin to open their own grant programs in the fall or winter of 2024, allowing local organizations to apply for these funds.
A Digital Equity Capacity Grant will benefit individuals and communities by providing funding for expanding internet access; providing access to devices and training on digital literacy; and other developments to bridge the digital divide and make technology more inclusive. So, what organizations will benefit from this program? Organizations that are implementing projects that align with their state’s digital equity plan including libraries, workforce development centers, nonprofit organizations, and local governmental agencies, to name a few.
Key Components of a proposed Digital Equity Grant Program:
- Infrastructure Expansion: Grants may fund projects that will deploy broadband infrastructure in underserved areas, ensuring that all residents have access to high-speed internet. This includes building new networks, upgrading existing infrastructure, or implementing solutions such as satellite internet or mobile hotspots.
- Device Provision: Grants may also cover the cost of providing devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones to individuals who cannot afford them. The program will also fund devices for community facilities such as libraries and workforce development centers that will grant access to these devices to the public.
- Digital Literacy Training: Grants can support initiatives to provide training in digital literacy, teaching individuals how to use technology effectively and safely. These programs empower people to navigate the digital world with confidence, unlocking new opportunities for learning, work, and communication.
- Community Engagement: Digital Equity Grant Programs should prioritize community involvement, soliciting input from residents to identify needs and develop strategies for addressing them. Through partnerships between government, nonprofits, businesses, and residents, these programs ensure that solutions are sustainable and apply to the needs of the community.
Impact and Benefits:
- Communities and Individuals: This program will enable communities to participate and thrive in the 21st-century world. It will enable students to gain access to necessary educational resources and remote learning opportunities, provide job seekers with access to online training materials and job searches, and facilitate better access for all to healthcare professionals and social services.
- Community Organizations: This program will enable vital community organizations and facilities to provide devices and internet services to those who would otherwise have no access. This program will also enable these organizations to better implement their programs in areas such as training and education through high-speed internet and the latest devices.
Preparing for the Digital Equity Capacity Program
If your organization could benefit from the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, staying informed is important. Consider signing up for email alerts from your state’s administering agency for the latest updates on the program. You can also find the latest information on the NTIA website: https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/funding-programs/digital-equity-act-programs.
While waiting for the opening of your state’s grant program, focus your organization on addressing some key milestones of grant-readiness. This may include forming an internal grants team, developing projects that align with this grant’s objectives, and ensuring your SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations are current. Since many grants are only available for a limited period each year—typically 45-60 days—early preparation will enable a smoother application process.